The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg wrapped up on Saturday with a hard-negotiated consensus Declaration that cautions nations against using force for territorial expansion, reaffirms adherence to international law, and delivered several outcomes aligned with India’s priorities on terrorism, digital technologies, disaster resilience and climate finance.
Despite objections from the US during negotiations, leaders adopted the 39-page document, which flagged rising geopolitical rivalry, ongoing conflicts and growing inequality. It urged stronger multilateral cooperation to ensure that “no one is left behind” in global development.
In a sharp message on territorial aggression, the Declaration said states must “refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition” and respect the sovereignty and political independence of all nations, language seen as indirectly referencing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Israel’s offensive in Gaza, and the crisis in Myanmar. It stressed peaceful dispute resolution and protection of human rights without discrimination.
In a remarkable milestone, India secured key wins, including explicit condemnation of terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations” and reaffirmation of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model it championed during its presidency. Leaders also supported principles adopted in New Delhi and Rio on safe and trustworthy AI, emphasising human oversight, transparency and strong data-governance norms, while recognising the UN’s central role in shaping global AI standards.
On women-led development, leaders committed to removing barriers for women and girls, ending gender-based violence and ensuring full participation in political and economic life.
The Declaration marked 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and described women as “agents of peace.”
Disaster resilience featured prominently, with calls for anticipatory financing, resilient infrastructure and affordable insurance. Notably, India’s Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) received specific acknowledgment.
The G20 also issued its strongest climate statement yet, estimating that developing countries will need $5.8-5.9 trillion by 2030 to meet climate goals and urging a scale-up of climate finance “from billions to trillions.” It warned against turning climate measures into unjustifiable trade barriers, a recurring concern for India and other developing economies.
Energy security was described as “fundamental” to sovereignty and global prosperity. The summit endorsed South Africa’s Voluntary Energy Security Toolkit and backed a non-binding Critical Minerals Framework to ensure equitable access to resources essential for clean energy transitions.
On food security, leaders raised alarm over rising global hunger, with up to 720 million people food-insecure in 2024. The Declaration reaffirmed the Deccan High-Level Principles and insisted starvation must never be used as a weapon of war.
In health, leaders reiterated support for the WHO and encouraged stronger public health spending. They also recognised the value of evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine — language India had previously pushed.
Furthermore, the Declaration renewed the call for “transformative” UN Security Council reforms, echoing India’s long-standing demand for representation that reflects 21st-century realities, especially for Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Leaders closed the summit by reaffirming the G20’s role as the premier platform for global economic cooperation and committing to consensus-based, inclusive decision-making.
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